“Manborg” is a 2011 Canadian science fiction film that pays homage to the B‑movies of the 1980s. The film was written and directed by Steven Kostanski and is characterised by its absurd plot and crazy ideas.
The story of “Manborg” takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where the villain Dr. Scorpius has conquered the earth and enslaves humanity. The protagonist, a nameless soldier, is killed in a brutal battle, but his remains are found by scientists and resurrected into a cyborg-like being called Manborg. Along with a group of misfits, including a mysterious fighter named Mina and a vampire ninja named Count Draculon, Manborg battles Dr. Scorpius’ army to save the world.
The film is notable for its low-budget style and deliberately cheap special effects, reminiscent of the era of VHS tapes and video games. One of the film’s madcap ideas is the depiction of hell as a kind of dystopian game in which people are tortured to death and an oversized gladiatorial arena is used for bloody fights. This surreal depiction gives the film a unique atmosphere and underlines its trashy charm.
Another example of the film’s absurdist humour is the character of Count Draculon, who is a cross between a vampire and a ninja. His appearance makes for bizarre and comical moments as he tries to combine his vampire powers with his fighting skills. This unusual combination makes him a memorable and funny character.
